As the volume of medical literature continues to expand, the process of understanding and productively using library resources becomes increasingly complex. To facilitate this process, Roper and Boorkman have edited a clear and concise guide to reference sources. Although intended primarily for the practicing health science librarian, this volume is a useful tool for physicians and would be particularly enlightening for a medical school student who has not had a formal introduction to library services. A perusal of this text would lessen the need to rely on the assistance of a librarian when seeking an answer to a question.

Unlike Sheehy's Guide to Reference Books and other reference publications that have only limited coverage of the health sciences, this book is devoted exclusively to medical science reference. An analogous guide, Information Sources in the Medical Sciences, concentrates on medical texts and journals categorized by medical specialties.